FOCUSED ON FINDING A CURE

U-T profiles of notable local people

In just over one year as president and CEO of Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego/Imperial Counties, Mary Ball has worked to increase local awareness about the disease.

There was the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in October, as well as various high-profile charity events like “A Celebration of Courage & Hope.” And on Friday, she will lead the 16th annual “Memories in the Making Art Auction,” which pairs one-of-a-kind works from individuals with Alzheimer’s with accomplished community artists.

Ball, a Scripps Ranch resident who moved to San Diego in 1984, worked for many years as an executive at Cox Communications. She shares what she’s learned in her new role at Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego/Imperial Counties.

Q: You come from a 15-year career as an executive with Cox Communications. Was it a big adjustment into the world of nonprofits?

A: Leading a successful organization, whether nonprofit or for-profit, requires basic business and management fundamentals. Both at Cox and the Alzheimer’s Association, the key to executing a shared vision and plan is to build a strong team of smart and passionate individuals. Each team member must understand what it takes to be successful and be laser-focused on the customers you serve. Of course, in any business, you have to grow revenue and operate efficiently, no matter how needed or noble the mission of the organization.

Q: Do you know about how many people in San Diego are affected by Alzheimer’s and what resources are out there for them?

A: Nearly 60,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease today in San Diego County. And in the next 15 years, experts project that those numbers will double. Today, one out of every eight people over the age of 65 suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. It’s the third-leading cause of death in San Diego County behind heart disease and cancer.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 help line at (800) 272-3900 which provides information, resources and support to people with memory loss, their families, caregivers and health care professionals.

Q: Why is it important for the public to know about the disease?

A: In the United States, someone develops Alzheimer’s every 68 seconds. Alzheimer’s disease is a quiet epidemic that will touch us all through a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker. It’s critical for people to understand the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s so a proper diagnosis can be made by a doctor. From a public safety perspective, people with Alzheimer’s disease will eventually have difficulty driving safely and six out of 10 will someday wander from home and get lost. As a community, we need to understand how to identify these people and contact local law enforcement to ensure they get home unharmed.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s?

A: Alzheimer’s is just normal aging — false. You can catch Alzheimer’s disease — never. Alzheimer’s disease won’t kill you — false, it is progressive and fatal and there is no treatment or cure. Alzheimer ’s disease is a mental illness — false, it’s a degenerative brain disease.

Q: If a family member suffers from Alzheimer’s, what are some tips you recommend for interacting with them?

A: Communicating and caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is very challenging. First, get help. Call the Alzheimer’s Association help line and get answers and advice from trained professionals. Secondly, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website at
Alz.org/SanDiego and learn ways on how to communicate with the person with Alzheimer’s.

When communicating, don’t argue with the person and always remember that it is the disease — not the person; many behaviors are difficult to understand and manage. Speak simply to the person and avoid using complicated terms or rephrasing. Speak slowly and be prepared to repeat and wait. Allow for plenty of time for comprehension and a response.

Q: Do you think there will be a cure?

A: Yes. San Diego is on the leading edge of Alzheimer’s research and the Alzheimer’s Association’s TrialMatch program has more than 200 San Diegans participating in drug trials today. The question is when there will there be a cure. The sooner more focus and funding is given to Alzheimer’s, the sooner we will have a cure.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: In high school, I ran track and was a high jumper. My best jump cleared 5 feet 4 inches!

Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: South Mission Beach with family and friends playing paddle ball and body surfing. Ending the day with a bike ride on the boardwalk and a barbecue. Making memories — they’re precious.